Discussions of sexual abuse sometimes mention “grooming,” the tactics used by abusers to prepare their victims for abuse. It’s important to recognize grooming behaviors as potential early signs of abuse.Read more
Tag: Catholic Church
Survivor Story: How I Believe The Church Can Help Survivors Heal
As a teenager in the late 1960s, Jan Ruidl was abused by the priest who led the youth group at her home parish in Springfield, Massachusetts. Years later, she reported the abuse to the Diocese of Springfield and ultimately met with Springfield Bishop Timothy McDonnell, whom Read more
This Is Not The Time To Give Up
April was long and hard on both my body and my soul. I am guessing that many of you feel the same way. However we have been impacted by the global coronavirus pandemic, I know all of us are carrying extra stress and anxiety Read more
Announcing the New Mission Statement of Awake Milwaukee
Today, we are excited to announce the newly developed mission statement for Awake Milwaukee. (Drum roll, please…) Read more
Why I Remain Catholic Despite the Sex Abuse Crisis
When the news of the McCarrick scandal hit the headlines, the blow to my family and our faith was devastating. Normally, I am an unabashed enthusiast full of love for the Catholic Read more
Survivor Story: Six Things I Wish Catholics Knew About the Abuse Crisis
Patricia Gallagher Marchant, MSW, LCSW, is a psychotherapist in private practice in downtown Milwaukee who has worked for almost 35 years with individuals and couples on issues including anxiety and depression, marital problems, grief, and sexual abuse recovery. Read more
Survivor Story: How I Found Healing Through Scripture
In 1968 at the age of 19, while in studies for priesthood, I was abused by the priest who was my superior, the individual with the most input in evaluating my suitability to continue. He was well respected in the seminary community; I had respected him as well. There was no one to whom I could reach out; who would believe me? Read more
Why Catholics Need to Hear Survivor Stories (and 5 Ways to Listen Well)
ne of Awake’s central missions is a commitment to listening to sexual abuse survivors. Many have carried painful experiences in silence for decades. And those who have shared their stories have often been doubted, shamed, or ignored by fellow Catholics. Read more
What is Vos Estis, and how is it Related to the Crisis in the Church?
On May 9, 2019, Pope Francis issued an Apostolic Letter called Vos Estis Lux Mundi, which translates as “You are the Light of the World.” The letter creates new Church law around sexual abuse for the worldwide Church—the Roman Catholic Church and the 23 Eastern Catholic Churches. Read more
Behind the Scenes of Awake’s Open Letter to Survivors
When members of the Awake Leadership Team began meeting in the spring of 2019, we wanted to make sure our first step as an organization clearly conveyed who we are and why we’re undertaking this work. This is how our Open Letter to Survivors was born. Read more
